Jobs growth forum ‘not just a talking shop’

LIKELY ways to promote job growth and finance ideas will be some of the issues discussed at conferences in Cork and Limerick tomorrow.

The New Ideas conference, which is sponsored by Senator Alan Kelly, has promised not to be just a “talking shop” but a forum to implement solutions to combat the economic downturn.

Mr Kelly plans to compile and publish a White Paper summarising the recommendations and contributions in a subsequent submission to Government.

The keynote speaker in Cork is John Conroy, chief executive with Merrion Capital Stockbrokers, while economist Jim Power will be the head speaker in Limerick.

Other speakers include Alan’s brother, Declan, who is the founder of PR company Financial Dynamics.

World championship winning athlete Eamon Coghlan will speak in Cork and former Irish rugby player Anthony Foley will address the Limerick event.

Mr Kelly said the conference will not only be focusing on innovative ideas but, more importantly, how they can be financed.

“Let’s face it, every small business out there right now is struggling for credit so it is all well and good to be talking about solutions but if you cannot finance them then it will become just an exercise in thinking.

“However, this will be more than a talking shop. This is a way of channelling positive energy into positive action and one that will be driven through into something real, substantial and innovative,” Mr Kelly said.

He also said the conference is non-political in its ethos and non-profit focused in its orientation.

The Limerick event will take place at Thomond Park conference centre at 8.30am, while the Cork conference will be held at the Rochestown Park Hotel at 2.30pm.